Indian cricket legend and former captain Kapil Dev on Tuesday hailed Virat Kohli’s achievement of reaching 15,000 runs in ODI cricket, praising the batter’s talent, consistency and belief in himself. Very few people in this world have an average of more than 60.
Speaking to ANI, Kapil said Kohli’s achievement was a testament to his special talent and highlighted his exceptional batting average. Kapil said. “I think special talent. He’s done so well. Hats off to him. And more important, I think, his passion for the game.
Virat’s 86th international century also took him past the 15,000-run mark in ODIs. The right-handed batter is also the second batter after the great Sachin Tendulkar to breach the landmark of 15,000 runs in the 50-over format. In 315 ODIs and 303 innings, Virat has scored 15,080 runs at an average of 59.13, including 55 centuries and 79 fifties, with a best score of 183. Asked what sets Kohli apart from other legends, particularly in the 50-over format, Kapil said the former India captain’s ability to back himself has been key to his success. Kohli has levelled with legendary Sachin Tendulkar for the most List A cricket centuries, with 60 apiece. He also levelled with Sachin (42 centuries) for the most ODI hundreds by a batter in home conditions. The 37-year-old is also the first cricketer to score 7,000 ODI runs in home conditions, once again overtaking Sachin (6,976 runs in 164 matches). In 131 ODIs and 128 innings at home, he has scored 7,006 runs at an average of 63.69, with 28 centuries and 36 fifties, with a best score of 166*.
“He has the ability, and I think he knows it; he believes in himself, and he backs himself, which is very, very important,” the Indian cricket legend said.
The Men in Blue, led by Shreyas Iyer, have already reached the semi-finals after their quarter-final match against Afghanistan was washed out due to rain at the ongoing men’s cricket event at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
The 1983 ODI World Cup-winning captain also wished the Indian cricket teams luck ahead of their Asian Games campaigns, with the women’s team defending its gold medal and the men’s side aiming to retain the title.
